Dear Resident

A woman has been jailed in connection with a road traffic collision in Hemel Hempstead which led to the death of a “kind and much-loved” teenage boy.

Evie Wiles, aged 25, was sentenced to five years and six months in custody at Luton Crown Court today (Friday 4 April) after previously being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving following a trial, presided over by Judge Hatton.

The collision occurred at around 6pm on Thursday 2 February 2023, when 14-year-old Christopher Arnett was crossing at the junction of London Road and Two Waters Road.

He was struck by a black Seat Leon driven by Wiles, and sadly died in hospital the following day.

In a statement, Christopher’s family described him as “a much-loved son, big brother, grandson, godson, nephew and friend.”

Wiles, of Lockers Park Lane in the town, was arrested at the scene and later charged.

During a police interview, she admitted to accelerating in order to make it through the traffic lights as they changed to amber on her approach. The judge dismissed this account, stating he was “entirely satisfied” that the lights had in fact turned red.

Further investigations showed that her mobile phone had been active around the time of the collision, with WhatsApp messages being sent and received, leading the judge to conclude that she had been distracted.

Detective Sergeant Ben Heath, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts remain with Christopher’s family and friends at what continues to be an extremely difficult time.

“No sentence will ever make up for the unimaginable loss they have suffered.

“We have worked hard to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, securing a charge and, ultimately, a prison sentence.

“I hope this serves as a strong warning to drivers of the devastating consequences that dangerous driving can have.”